Michael Franco

Spiritual Psychotherapy Episode 14: Near Death Experiences

In this podcast, we begin with some super-interesting accounts from individuals who survived jumping off the Golden Gate bridge. We transition to the Zohar with a surprising lesson about the dangers of both dualism and monism that we learn from the letter Saddi.

Parashat Ki Tissa 2023: Identity Crisis

In this podcast, we compare the identity crisis in the Parasha to the identity crisis in America today.

Purim 2023: Comedy within Tragedy

In this podcast, we explore the role of comedy in Judaism and in Megillat Ester.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Episode 13: Alphabet Soup

In this podcast, we begin with ideas of Creation as set forth in the Tao te Ching, drawing connections to how Creation is portrayed by the Zohar.

Parashat Mishpatim 2023: The Untold Story Behind the Law

In this week's podcast, we try to show a clear trend within our parasha, in which many of the laws seem to be allusions to familiar stories from Genesis.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Episode 12: Zohar Part 3: The Singularity

In this podcast, we open with the famous "snake simile" with its warnings about the spiritual path. We continue our readings of the Tao te Ching and the Zohar, highlighting the beautiful derasha revealed to Rabbi Shimon by Elijah the Prophet.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Episode 11: Zohar Part 2: Genesis

In this podcast, we begin with the opening of the Tao te Ching, noticing parallels to the Zohar. We then begin with the Zohar's cryptic commentary on Genesis and Creation.

Parashat Beshallah 2023: How to Overcome Fear

In this week's podcast, we learn a deep lesson about overcoming fear. God is the master psychologist for Bene Yisrael and the results are clear and powerful.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Episode 10: Zohar Part 1: Introduction

In this podcast, we begin an in-depth study of the Zohar's introduction, delving into the divine creation story of Genesis.

Parashat Shemot 2023: The Secret Name of God

In this podcast, we talk about the psychology of names and the mystery contained within God's names in this week's Parasha.